First United Protestant Church of Hilo

Celebrating over 150 years in ministry

Rev. Christopher Czarnecki

Rev. Christopher is married to his beloved wife Akeera L. Czarnecki and together they are raising three children here in Hilo, Daveyion, Shanel, and Carter.

Christopher first received a call to ministry while attending a Unity Church in St. Louis Missouri. The Unity Church, which was founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, nurtured his spirituality and fostered a deep love within him for the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus. After completing his MBA in Business Administration at Missouri Baptist University, Christopher moved to Lee’s Summit Missouri where he begin attending seminary at Unity Institute & Seminary in 2013.

In 2014, Christopher made his way to the United Church of Christ and transferred to Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis Missouri. While back in St. Louis, Christopher and Akeera found a new place to call home at Christ Church UCC in Maplewood Missouri. They often credit Christ Church UCC, as the place where they learned how to be a family together. The church supported their family, and Christopher, as he made his way through seminary.

Christopher graduated from Eden Theological Seminary on May 18th, 2018, and he was ordained on January 27th, 2019 at Christ Church UCC. Many of Christopher’s passions in ministry include study of the historical Jesus, spiritual enrichment and education, liberation theology, biblical social justice, interfaith work, and making the church a worship space that welcomes the diversity of all people.

Christopher was called to be the Settled Pastor of First United Protestant Church on January 6th, 2019. Christopher and his family moved to Hilo during the last few days of February and he began official duties as the new pastor on March 1st. There is a lot happening at the church these days with our book study group, confirmation classes, and new worship experiences on Sunday. Since arriving Pastor Chris continues to say, “This is where God has called me to be.”